Another not so wordless weekend ... the Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

It's a strange irony that one of the most beautiful areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also one of the least visited. Although it's a bit out of the way, The Cataloochee Valley rewards visitors with excellent vistas, historic buildings, and abundant wildlife.

Located entirely in the state of North Carolina, settlers came to this place in the early 19th Century for its seclusion and fertile bottom lands. Many lived their entire lives without ever crossing the divide for a glimpse of the outside world.

Since the inception of the Park in the late 1930's, much of the area was left to return to its natural state. Only a limited number of historic structures remain, including two churches and a few houses and cabins. It takes several days to explore the entire valley so you might want to stay in the Cataloochee Campground for the complete Smoky Mountain experience!

Photos from top cpurtesy of SmokyPhotos:Palmer Chapel and Ground, Caldwell Barn with footlog, Base of the Cataloochee Overlook, Bull Elk

Hmmm .... I did a post about Spring wildflowers in the Park a week or two ago ... I might do more spring stiff later in the week! I needed something for my Smoky Mountain outside blog and this is all my feeble mind could conjure!

This is the opposite of Cades Cove, which is also in the park. The traffic in Cades Cove can be as bad as Atlanta during rush hour, while Cataloochee allows free movement. It's our favorite spot in the Park!

Charles...

As well it should, as all were caused during the same great continental collision! Thanks, as always for the comment!

Richard - this has been on our list of 'gotta see' parks since we moved down here in November. Your photos have me wanting to pack a bad right now! :) The mountains of the eastern US are so beautiful and full of little surprise places like this. Thanks for sharing!

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